Playgrounds to Patios: A Family Day Out in Fairmont, MN
From playgrounds and peaceful trails to lakeside eats, this day in Fairmont had the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation. The kids ran, climbed, and explored, while we enjoyed those quiet moments that make family time extra special.
Gomsrud Park
We kicked off our morning in Fairmont at Gomsrud Park, and honestly, it was the perfect place to ease into the day. There’s a ton to do here, but we stuck to the main playground first—and it did not disappoint. The kids made a beeline for the zipline (easily the fan favorite), but they also loved climbing, sliding, and swinging their way across all the equipment. It’s one of those parks where you can sit back for a bit and just let the kids run wild.
We brought coffee with us and grabbed a picnic table nearby—it felt like a little win to sip coffee while watching the kids play in the morning sunshine. Simple, but the kind of start that sets the tone for the whole day.
If you’ve got more time or extra energy to burn, there’s also a second playground, volleyball courts and basketball hoops. We could have easily stayed here longer, but more adventures were calling.
Cedar Creek Park
Next up was Cedar Creek Park, and honestly—it ended up being one of my favorite places we’ve hiked, not just in Fairmont, but anywhere. It’s so peaceful and naturally beautiful, with tall trees, open meadows, and little spots that make you feel like you’ve totally stepped away from everything. We hit both the paved and mowed nature trails, and they were perfect for a casual family hike—easy to navigate, but still full of that “off the beaten path” kind of charm.
Perk: Cedar Creek is home to not just one, but three 18-hole disc golf courses, and we quickly learned it’s known as one of the top disc golf spots in all of Minnesota. We found ourselves stopping here and there just to watch players toss their discs through the trees—it was honestly kind of mesmerizing. The energy was laid-back, the scenery was gorgeous, and it’s one of those places you leave already wanting to come back to.
Cedar Creek Disc Golf Complex »
The Marina Lodge Lakeside Pub
We ended our day at The Marina Lodge, and it was exactly the kind of spot you want to land after a full day outside.
We grabbed a table on the patio, right by the water, and just let the breeze, views, and good food do their thing. The vibe was super laid-back—families, couples, boaters coming and going—and it just felt like the perfect place to slow down and refuel.
The food totally hit the spot (you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu), and being able to relax lakeside while the kids recapped their favorite parts of the day was the perfect ending to our day exploring.
Marina Lodge »
Meet the Visitors
Hello, We are the Nordmans, an adventure loving family from Iowa! As a duel-working family and 2 kiddos in school, we hope to inspire other families that it’s possible to take that adventure or vacation around busy schedules. We love our great Midwest region but also have a desire to see every US state. The hubs & I love sampling local bourbons, wine, and beer while the kids can’t pass up ice cream
Sign Up for our E-Newsletter »
Stay In
Fairmont
Let the hospitality in Fairmont welcome you! Just off Interstate-90, you’ll find a wide selection of hotels and restaurants. Perhaps a more rustic stay at a cabin or camping near the lake is more your style – we’ve got you covered.
Area Visitor’s Guide
Check out the Fairmont Area Visitor’s Guide online for tips and insights to exploring our area. Or, we can mail one to you!
